Upcoming Sessions

Counterpart conducts free information sessions on a regular basis. Coming to an information session is a great way to access information and connect with others in a similar situation.

Information sessions are coordinated by Counterpart staff and involve medical, allied health and other specialists, including creative therapists.

Book your place by clicking on any of the upcoming sessions below.

Cancellations Policy

If we do not have enough people enrolled one week before a session is scheduled we will cancel the session and inform anyone who has booked. This also allows the speaker sufficient time to make other plans. We hope that cancelling a session is never necessary but also realise that having only a small number of people attending a session is no longer workable.

In order to lead an active and healthy life as we age, it’s important to maintain good health, fitness and strong bones. Research shows strength / resistance exercises can improve well-being and mental health. They can also reduce falls, risk of fractures and osteoporosis. Libby Oldfield, Director of Fitwise Physiotherapy will outline the steps we

Meet and mingle with Counterpart Peer Support Volunteers and other women with breast or a gynaecological cancer and participate in yoga and mindfulness. Take some time to relax, replenish and learn some new skills to take care of yourself. This yoga session uses sitting and standing postures and will not involve floor or mat work.

March is Lymphoedema Awareness Month After surgery and/or radiotherapy for the treatment of breast or gynaecological cancer, the lymphatic system may be damaged and there is a risk of developing lymphoedema. Learn about what lymphoedema is, early warning signs, how to minimise the risk of developing lymphoedema and what to do if it develops. The impact of

March is Lymphoedema Awareness Month After surgery and/or radiotherapy for the treatment of breast or gynaecological cancer, the lymphatic system may be damaged and there is a risk of developing lymphoedema. Learn about what lymphoedema is, early warning signs, how to minimise the risk of developing lymphoedema and what to do if it develops. The impact of

What are the emerging treatments and targeted therapies for metastatic breast cancer? Bianca Devitt, Medical Oncologist at Eastern Health, will present on current trials, availability of new drugs, emerging therapies and second and third line treatment options. We will have a short question time following the presentation. We also invite you to join us after

Immunotherapy is a treatment that uses certain parts of a person's immune system to fight cancer. Immunotherapies are thought to work by slowing the growth and spread of cancer cells, and by helping the immune system destroy existing cancer cells. Professor Jonathan Cebon, Medical Director and Head of Cancer Immunobiology Laboratory, Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research

Changes that can come with cancer treatment can challenge our physical and mental wellbeing. These changes include body image and weight; stress, anxiety and depression; short- and long-term side effects like fatigue and lymphoedema. All of these and more can have a negative impact on our quality of life. Emerging evidence shows cancer patients may

Over the past few years, there has been much interest in the use of cannabis for medicinal purposes. It is suggested that it may be useful for some symptoms associated with cancer and cancer treatment, such as nausea, pain, and loss of appetite. To date the evidence is limited, however there are some trials currently

Changes that can come with cancer treatment can challenge our physical and mental wellbeing. These changes include body image and weight; stress, anxiety and depression; short- and long-term side effects like fatigue and lymphoedema. All of these and more can have a negative impact on our quality of life. Emerging evidence shows cancer patients may

Join us as we remind each other about nurturing ourselves in a simple everyday sort of way. We will take the time to make and drink tea with mindfulness and to reflect on how we look after ourselves. We can also take away a personalized tea blend to enjoy at home. Sarah Cowell has spent

Learn how to relax the body and calm the mind. This introduction to meditation will help you learn and practise a variety of meditation techniques. You will also learn tips on how to squeeze meditation into a busy life. Matt Young from the Melbourne Meditation Centre will present this session.